John of Gaunt has requested the presence of Sir John Cranston and his
friend Athelstan to attend him at the Palace of Savoy. A well placed
French prisoner of war has died as a result of poisoning. The French
are now demanding reparation and justice.
Gaunt also has a special task for Athelstan. He is to further the quest
of Sir Maurice Maltravers desire to marry Lady Angelica Parr. Her
father has forbidden the pair to see each other and put Lady Angelica in
a nunnery.
A few days later a young woman commits suicide in a room at a pub. She
leaves a letter naming Maltravers as her husband. However, Athelstan is
quick to determine that it was not a suicide. She has been murdered,
and now the stain of her claim will stick to Maltravers.
Another French prisoner dies, and Athelstan has no idea who is
responsible because no one could have poisoned his food nor drink. He
needs to determine how the poison was administered. He and Cranston
pull a little trickery to ensure that Maltravers can see his beloved,
but again they can’t bring them together.
How many more will die in suspicious circumstances before Athelstan can
solve the murders? Author Paul Doherty’s thriller leaves the reader
wondering how things will be resolved. He provides an interesting
conclusion and method of poisoning. Another very good read.
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